UC Riverside Professor of Education Jan Blacher has been named a Fellow of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (IASSID). She will also serve as a member of the group’s Council. The IASSID is an international and interdisciplinary scientific non-governmental organization dedicated to the promotion of scientific study and the exchange of information on intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1964, IASSID is associated with the World Health Organization and has sponsored 11 World Congresses. IASSID Fellows are chosen for their contributions to the greater knowledge of intellectual disabilities through research, public service, teaching or education, practice and significant participation in IASSID. To be considered for a IASSID Fellowship, nominees must satisfy at least two of the following five criteria, which include working for at least 10 years in the field of intellectual disability; possessing superior knowledge of his or her discipline as applied to intellectual disability; making important contributions to the understanding of intellectual disability; making an important contribution to the application of scientific knowledge to aiding people with intellectual disabilities and/or their families and making a significant contribution to the IASSID. Blacher has extensive research knowledge – through her involvement in the UCR Families Project – of how children with developmental disabilities and special needs, and their families, cope with the stresses of obtaining resources from the state’s 21 Regional Centers. She is also a Fellow of the American Association on Mental Retardation and a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. During her three-year term as a member of the IASSID Council, Blacher will be required to attend international meetings and participate in policy development for the organization. Dr. Blacher was also Chair and founder of IASSID’s Family Research Special Interest Group; while serving on the Council, Blacher will continue to advocate and support research activities as Past-Chair. In addition, Blacher will serve as the North American Editor of the IASSID co-sponsored Journal of Intellectual Disability Research.